Country music's biggest night turned 60, and fans, along with some of Nashville's brightest stars, flocked to Texas (May 8) to celebrate in style. From surprise collaborations to unforgettable debuts, the 2025 ACM Awards delivered a star-studded spectacle that lived up to the hype.

If you missed the live show, don't worry. Here are five buzz-worthy moments you need to send in the group chat.

ACM Awards 2025 Kick Off With Star-Studded Tribute to Six Decades of Country Hits

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The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards opened in unforgettable fashion with a 12-minute medley honoring six decades of Song of the Year winners. Designed as both a nostalgic tribute and a celebration of the genre's evolution, the show kicked off with a powerhouse lineup of country legends and modern chart-toppers, setting the tone for a night rooted in history and heart.

Reba McEntire launched the performance with Merle Haggard's "Okie from Muskogee," representing the 1960s, while Clint Black followed with a smooth rendition of Glen Campbell's "Rhinestone Cowboy," tipping his hat to the 1970s. Wynonna Judd took the crowd back to the 1980s with a soulful performance of The Judds' beloved "Why Not Me," and LeAnn Rimes stunned with her iconic 1996 breakout hit "Blue," a nod to the '90s. Little Big Town brought modern flair with "Girl Crush," the only song in the medley that didn't win Song of the Year but was included as a fan-favorite and modern classic. Closing out the segment, Dan + Shay lit up the stage with their 2018 hit "Tequila," bringing the tribute full circle into the 2010s. Together, these performances created a moving time capsule, showcasing the timeless power of country music's storytelling across generations. 

Eric Church Debuts "Hands Of Time" At 2025 ACM Awards 

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Eric Church returned to the ACM Awards stage in signature style — sunglasses on and confidence dialed up to deliver the live debut of his new single "Hands of Time," a soaring anthem that kicked off a bold new chapter for the country rebel. Backed by his band, five powerhouse backup vocalists, and a pair of horn players, Church embraced his latest era. Performing in front of a massive projection of ticking clock gears, he leaned into the time-bending theme of the song, captivating an audience that soon rose to their feet.

"Hands of Time" is the opening track on Evangeline vs. the Machine, Church's genre-defying new album that trades twangy guitars for horns, strings, and gospel choir. Church's ACM performance hinted at the ambitious sonic journey ahead. 

Kelsea Ballerini Delivers Electrifying Performance of "Baggage" 

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Fresh off her sold-out arena tour, Kelsea Ballerini made a show-stopping entrance at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards. Dressed in a dazzling sequin bodysuit, the country-pop powerhouse lit up the stage with a high-octane performance of "Baggage," a fan-favorite off her latest album PATTERNS. From the top of a mountain built entirely of luggage bags, Ballerini belted out the razor-sharp, autobiographical lyrics with stunning vocal precision and commanding presence. The elaborate production gave viewers a taste of the arena experience she's become known for, as her bold storytelling and emotional intensity echoed through the venue. With proud members of The Legends cheering her on, it was clear: this was more than a performance – it was a moment.

Miranda Lambert and Ella Langley Set the ACM Awards Stage on Fire With "Kerosene" Duet

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Miranda Lambert reminded everyone why she's a country powerhouse at the 2025 ACM Awards, and rising star Ella Langley proved she's more than ready to carry the torch. The two set the stage ablaze, literally and figuratively, with a show-stopping duet that had fans talking long after the final note. Lambert began with a stripped-down performance of her single "Run," letting the lyrics shine with a raw, understated delivery. But the energy shifted dramatically when Langley joined her onstage for a blazing rendition of "Kerosene," the 2005 breakout hit that launched Lambert into stardom. As flames erupted from the stage, the duo matched the heat with undeniable chemistry. Their harmonies were electric, blending Lambert's grit with Langley's fresh edge, making it a symbolic and sonic passing of the torch. The performance not only brought fans back to a defining moment in country history, but it also signaled a bold and bright future for women in the genre. 

Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts Bring the House Down in Show-Stopping ACM Awards Finale

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In a moment that fans won't soon forget, the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards closed with an electrifying performance by two powerhouse groups: the Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts. Uniting pop and country in the most perfect way, the beloved bands proved that great music knows no genre boundaries. Lined up across the stage in striking black-and-white outfits, the superstars opened the show-stopping finale with Rascal Flatts' emotional ballad "What Hurts The Most," trading verses and blending vocals seamlessly. The energy kicked up a notch with "I Dare You." The Backstreet Boys then took the reins with their fan-favorite "Larger Than Life," dancing and spinning under strobing white lights, bringing the same iconic swagger that's defined their pop legacy. 

But the true magic came as both bands joined forces one last time for "Life Is A Highway," transforming the finale into a full-blown celebration. The crowd was on their feet, singing every lyric back as if no time had passed. It was a powerful reminder that even after long hiatuses, legends can still own the stage and bring everyone along for the ride.

What was your favorite moment from the show? Let us know your Fan Of View below, or DM us on Instagram @fandomdaily_.

Photo Credit: Academy of Country Music